Catriona · Chapter
XX: I Continue to Move in Good Society explained
David Balfour continues his stay in Edinburgh, enjoying the society of Miss Grant and her circle.
What happens
David Balfour continues his stay in Edinburgh, enjoying the society of Miss Grant and her circle. He is given a fleeting glimpse of Catriona through a barred loophole, orchestrated by Miss Grant. Despite his efforts to present a memorial for James Stewart, the man is hanged on November 8th. David receives a letter from Catriona via Miss Grant, urging him to visit her cousin Allardyce. He learns that Catriona has been kept private by Prestongrange's arrangement, and that she helped her father escape. David is unable to send a reply, but Miss Grant arranges another brief encounter with Catriona. The chapter ends with David leaving the city, grateful for Miss Grant's friendship.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
David's longing for Catriona and Miss Grant's orchestrated glimpses and letters highlight the sacrifices and maneuvers of love.
Deception and Manipulation
Prestongrange uses Catriona as an instrument, keeping her private; Miss Grant manipulates David's encounters with Catriona for her own amusement.
Justice and Injustice
The hanging of James Stewart by fraud and violence, despite David's efforts, underscores the theme of injustice prevailing over truth.
Characters to notice
- David Balfour
Narrator and protagonist; continues to move in good society, is shown Catriona briefly, receives a letter from her, and reflects on the hanging of James Stewart.
- Catriona Drummond
Seen briefly through a barred loophole; sends a letter to David via Miss Grant; is kept private by Prestongrange's arrangement and helped her father escape.
- Barbara Grant
Miss Grant orchestrates the glimpse of Catriona, carries news between David and Catriona, and manages the love affair with a teasing manner.
- Lord Advocate Prestongrange
David is grateful for his fatherly attention; he arranged for Catriona to be kept private with the Gregorys and used her as an instrument.
- James More Macgregor
Catriona helped him escape from prison; his escape caused a stir but was passed over in silence.
- Miss Tibbie Ramsay
A frail old gentlewoman, very blind and witty, who lives in a tall land; David visits her and she tells him about old folks and past affairs in Scotland.
- Symon Fraser
David meets him in the causeway and pulls off his beaver to him, despite James Stewart's hanging.
- Duncansby
Mentioned as the lieutenant of the guard who was broken of his rank after James More's escape.
Key passages
“I think it was the prettiest sight that ever I beheld; the well of the close was all in clear shadow where a man could see distinctly, the walls very black and dingy; and there from the barred loophole I saw two faces smiling across at me—Miss Grant’s and Catriona’s.”
David describes the beautiful moment he saw Catriona and Miss Grant smiling at him through a barred window in the dark close.
Highlights the romantic and secretive nature of the encounter.
“So there was the final upshot of my politics! Innocent men have perished before James, and are like to keep on perishing (in spite of all our wisdom) till the end of time.”
David reflects on the futility of his political efforts, as James Stewart is hanged despite his innocence.
Emphasizes the theme of injustice and the cyclical nature of such tragedies.
“I shall be very serious in one thing, David. I shall always be your friend.”
Miss Grant promises David that she will remain his friend, showing her loyalty and affection.
Demonstrates the depth of Miss Grant's friendship and her role as a confidante.
